For the past 6 months I have been travelling with my toddler Madi between Edmonton and Atlanta (We live in Atlanta for 4 weeks and then I work in Edmonton for 2 weeks at a time). What I learned is that travelling and time changes can affect your babies sleep. Even a 2 hour time difference (difference between Atlanta and Edmonton) can have a big…

If your reading this article, you’ve probably heard of sleep training and considered if it is the right idea for your family. I wanted to start off by saying that sleep training is a hot topic in the Mom community, and some may even consider it controversial. For me, sleep training is a personal decision that was effective for our family to get our baby to sleep….

As a physician I tell patient’s that it is safe to sleep train starting at 4-6 months as long as the infant has no concerns with growth and development. I only started sleep training Madi at 11 months event though I knew it was safe to start earlier. I knew it was safe to start sleep training Madi earlier, but struggled with hearing her cry during the process….

Child Wellness

Life of Dr. Mom recognizes that the modern mom wants to be well-informed. With professional experience in postnatal care, mental health, and Pediatrics, Dr. Mom works to educate the modern mom with the most relevant up-to-date medical evidence to support Child Wellness.

Sexually Transmitted Infections: what are gonorrhea and chlamydia

Dr. Mom explores common sexually transmitted infections gonorrhea and chlamydia, and how to know the warning signs.

I discuss Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs, or Sexually Transmitted Diseases – STDs) with all sexually active patients and I routinely recommend screening for STIs. STIs are infections that you can get from having sex that can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Two of the most common STIs are gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Sexually transmitted infections can be caused during sex that can that can affect sex organs, tubes carrying urine out of the body, throat and anus.

What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia?

Often there are no symptoms, which is why it is so important to be tested regularly, especially if you are sexually active.

In women, there may be vaginal discharge, irregular periods, abdominal pain, pain with sex, pain with urination, irritation of the vagina or vulva, etc.

Men may experience pain with urination, discharge from the penis, pain or swelling in the testicles, burning or itching, etc.

Those who engage in anal sex may see symptoms of rectal pain, discharge, and bleeding.

How is Gonorrrhea and Chlamydia Tested

The tests are usually simple and painless, just a urine test or a vaginal/anal/oral swab, depending on the infections.

How is Gonorrrhea and Chlamydia Treated

Treatment is with antibiotics that can be given orally or with a shot. Notifying the person or people you have had sex with so they can be tested is of the utmost importance to prevent the spread of STIs.

What are the Complications of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

Complications are rare, but untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease that can cause pain and infertility. It can also lead to inflammation of joints and eye infections.

How to Prevent STIs

You can reduce your chance of getting an STI by using condoms, but that is not 100%. Chemical or hormonal birth control does not protect you from STIs.

Life of Dr. Mom is designed for the modern mom whom struggles with balancing family, work, and fun. With her experience working in women health, postnatal care, mental health, and Pediatrics, Dr. Mom works to educate the modern mom with the most relevant up-to-date medical evidence to support families and the healthy development of their children